Theatre Royal.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7797, 13 April 1905, Page 2

Theatre Royal.

—. o " THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE.

TO-NIGHT. This evening Mr J. C. Williamson's Comic Opera Company will conmienc* a two-night season at the Theatre Royal. The occasion has been productive of a degree of local interest which it is safe to say has exceeded that attached to the visit of any previous theatrical attraction to New Plymouth. In Australia the Cami>any has had a phenomenally successful career, and in Wellington crowded houses eventuated nil the season. The opening production to-night will be "The Pirates of Penzance," one of thja best of. Giilb;wt and Suljivan's many operas. The talented young Australian prima-donna, Miss Dolly Castles, will appear as Mabel, who, it will bo remembered sings probably the best waltz song ever written hy Sir Arthur Sullivan, "Poor Wandering One." Mr Howard Vernon is to be seen in New Plymouth for the (irst time in his famous sketch of lh6 Major-General. A part which he created in the original production in Australia. Miss Delia Ghiloni will appear ns Ruth, the " piratical maid of all work." Mr Frank Wilson, the principal baritone, ns the Pirate King, is said to impart a fine touch of sardonic humour to the character. Mr Ernest Fitts, as the Sergeant of Police has a pari that might have been written for him, so completely doe« he fulfil its demands. Mr .John Ralston, as Samuel, Mr Walter Whyte, as Frederick, Miss Ruby Armfiekl, Miss Vinia d'Loittc, and Miss Aggie Thornc, as Edith, Kate, and Isabel, complete the cast. That Mr Williamson will stage the opera in (he lavish and perfect manner characteristic of nil his efforts, is to state what he never fails to do.and it may be taken for granted, therefore, that to-night's spectacle will bo up to the standard reached in the Australian production. The principals are supported by the finest chorus Mr Williamson has over sent out on tour, and M. Leon Caron, the conductor, will have under him in th& orchestra an excellent ami capable body of Altogether a very sumptuous performance is to be expected. The whole company is under the management of Mr Henry Bracy. It is certain that the audience this evening will be in keeping with such an important event, and it is well, therefore, thnt intending patrons.should take the precaution of booking their seats at Mr McKinnon Bain's, where the plans are on view. To-morrow evening the dainty Japanese opera '■' The Mikado" will ( be presented, for the first time in New Plymouth 1 .